Glacier Country News

Western Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke has reintroduced a series of conservation bills that he had previously presented during the 118th Congress. The necessity to resubmit these bills arises with the commencement of each new Congress session, which began on January 3, 2025.

Zinke expressed his personal connection to conservation efforts: "When you grow up in Montana, conservation isn't just a priority, it's part of who you are," he said. He emphasized the importance of these legislative measures for preserving natural landscapes and activities for future generations. "Every Montanan knows that public lands belong in public hands," he stated.

The Public Lands in Public Hands Act is among the key pieces of legislation being reintroduced. This act aims to protect public access by prohibiting most sales or transfers of land managed by the Department of the Interior and U.S. Forest Service unless specific conditions apply. It also requires Congressional approval for disposals involving large tracts of land, thereby safeguarding nearly 30 million acres used by outdoor enthusiasts across Montana.

Joel Webster from the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership commended Zinke's efforts: “Millions of American sportsmen and sportswomen depend on public lands for their hunting and fishing access." Kaden McArthur from Backcountry Hunters & Anglers also praised this bipartisan initiative, stating it would strengthen public land heritage.

Another significant proposal is the Fill the Lake Act, prompted by low water levels at Flathead Lake in 2023. This legislation mandates maintaining specific water levels during peak months to prevent similar occurrences.

Lastly, the Wildlife Movement Through Partnerships Act seeks to ensure collaboration between federal and state agencies for big game migration corridors' health. It builds upon existing orders and initiatives aimed at enhancing habitat quality and connectivity.